Two worshippers were killed and two others injured in a brutal attack that took place at the Malmesbury Mosque, outside Cape Town, in the early hours of this morning.

The Muslim Judicial Council (SA) condemns this vicious attack in the strongest terms. Islam is not a religion of violence and holds all life sacred.

The character and nature of the Muslim community in South Africa has always been that of tolerance and respect and therefore, this reprehensible attack – that occurred on what is possibly the final day of Ramadan – has deeply shocked the community.

To our understanding, the worshippers were performing I’tikaaf (seclusion in the mosque).

An unknown assailant entered the mosque in the early hours of the morning and joined the congregants in night prayer. From information received, the assailant looked very disturbed and intent on creating mischief.

Just after 3am, when the worshippers retreated to rest, the assailant attacked the imam first and then murdered the members who came to the Imam’s defence.

After escaping from the masjied, some congregants gave chase before police attempted to apprehend the suspect. In a hostile attack on the police, the assailant was killed.

We request members of the public to allow SAPS and the HAWKS to complete their investigations into the incident.

The significance of the MJC

The MJC is a Muslim Judiciary whose main functions relate to religious guidance, education, Fatawa, Da'wah, Halaal certification and Social Development (especially marriage counseling). It is a Non-Profit Organization in a country where Muslims are a minority group. The MJC adheres to the code of belief of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah. It is the most representative and influential Muslim religious organization in the Western Cape, recognized locally, nationally and internationally for the religious, cultural and organizational roles it plays in South Africa.